Over 55 organizations gave WCU students the opportunity to give back at the volunteer fair on Wednesday, Sept. 21 in the Sykes Ballrooms.
Hosted by the Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs, many students had their eyes set on finding a program to give their spare time to. The volunteer fair attracted students with fulfilling service hours, finding a service program that fits their major or students who want to give back wherever is needed.
Cameron Patchett, therapist and therapy manager at Quest Theraputic Services, was one of many organizations looking for new volunteers.
Quest Theraputic Services offers pediatric therapy for children with disabilities.
“It’s a unique opportunity,” Patchett explained. “It offers such an eye-opening outlook [on] the things that are out there in our community.”
Among their services, they provide equine-assisted therapy, or hippotherapy. Hippotherapy brings children on horses, and the movement of the horse activates their brain, muscles and breathing which helps to improve children’s posture, communication skills, strength, coordination and more.
“Volunteering isn’t only beneficial to you, but it’s beneficial to those around you,” said student Matt Irizarry.
Senior Angiliska Morell explained, “I just like giving back to my community, because when I was younger, people would give to me.”
The Hickman, a senior living facility in West Chester, was also in attendance, giving students the chance to sign up.
At their booth, they had a list of 10 reasons why students should volunteer. Those 10 reasons included having fun, gaining new skills, exploring career possibilities, fulfilling graduation requirements and feeling good about yourself.
Other local organizations in attendance were the YMCA of Brandywine Valley, Camp Dreamcatcher, the Ronald McDonald House, the Friends Association for Care & Protection of Children and a host of others.
If you missed the volunteer fair, or are simply looking for more ways to get involved within the community, visit the Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs in 241 Lawrence Center or online at wcupa.edu, where you can search “Service Learning and Volunteer Programs.”
Sunny Morgan is a second-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at SM848270@wcupa.edu. Her Twitter is @SunnyMorgan97.